IDF Chief Freezes Senior Appointments Until 2027, Blocking Defense Minister Katz's Move

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on the 'Patriots' show his immediate intention to replace Central Command Chief Avi Blot. However, just 12 hours later, the IDF responded decisively, delivering a political and military rebuke to Katz. According to military correspondent Yossi Yehoshua, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir informed the General Staff that due to the intense election period and the multi-front security situation, all senior appointments at the rank of Aluf (Major General) are frozen until early 2027.

This freeze effectively halts Katz's public attempt to replace Blot, who has received official commendations from Zamir and senior command for significantly reducing terror attacks in his sector. Blot will remain in his position at least until next summer, completing a three-year term. Zamir's decision sends a clear message to the political echelon that emergency appointments and changes in the IDF's senior command will not be made under political pressure or election campaigns, marking a firm red line against interference in General Staff affairs.